Contest Mergers

Could temporary band mergers benefit contesting?

Yes

No

Undecided

When we hear of bands having to use deps or withdraw from contests because of unavailable players, is it possible that a new rule can be drawn up for bands to temporarily merge to form a band that could contest and satisfy players who want to do that? This way, bands could keep their identities for concert and promotional work but enjoy the atmosphere of competing as well.

How much of a range between sections could merge and what section would this 'band' be allowed to compete in? I would assume that area qualifiers and major competitions would naturally be excluded but maybe could encourage better attendance for local events.

If 2 bands feel that between them they can put together a 'contest band' they simply form the new band, register the players and away they go !

Click to expand...

- I'm looking at the situation where bands normally contest but cannot because of recent upheavals or just bad timing or organisation. Bands that merge officially into a contesting unit (using registration) leave the remnants as non-contesting ones.

I don't see why not. Similar rules as for borrowed players, so if a 2nd section and 4th section band combined they would have to compete in the 2nd section. Prize money could be shared equally between the combining bands. Registration could be kept easy by insisting that all the players on stage are registered members of one of the two combining bands - no additional "borrowing" from other bands.

It would probably suit contests with less rigid rules like the march contests, and local association contests - also maybe Hardraw Scar etc.? Wouldn't be practical for things like Pontins I suspect though.

Sounds completely unworkable to me. Must be easier to allow deps for "lesser" contests. If two bands based near each other want to come to an arrangement between themselves then fine, but why do we want more rules over who can and can't play for which band?

Its a great idea in theory, and I love that so many bands are willing to help each other out, but to formalise a merger (even 'just' for contesting) there's so many worms in the can....
What do you do with the surplus players? who decides who goes on stage? is it by ability or to keep a balance number from each band? What do you call yourselves? Which conductor? Which principals? Who's rehearsal nights/venue? what happens when one band has a gig in the middle of contest prep? Who pays?

ok, maybe I'm being a bit glass-is-half-empty!! but if the bands are serious about contesting AND concert work I think they may as well just merge properly.

There could be a situation when one band doesn't want to compete but another does but cannot due to too many players being unavailable. The two bands can form a temp. merger and provide an extra number to the participents. This surely is better than nothing at all?